Dana60 vs. 8.5 10 bolt pros/cons

[YenkoYS100]

I have both, and can run either. The Dana60 is a rare 5 lug semi-floater from a 1/2 ton truck, already has a 3.73 limited slip. The 8.5 is around a 2:73 open. I'm going to be running a 427 with a procharger. All input is greatly appreciated!! I also have a 90's Mustang 8.8 to use if needed.

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Thanks, Rick

[zero g]

The Dana is a beast. Run it, especially if you have a manual trans, Mopar did in the Hemi and Big Block 4 speed cars.

[zero g]

It is heavy but it's the strongest out there.

[YenkoYS100]

Thanks! I was leaning to the 60. I can save some weight in other places. The transmission I plan on running is a Borg Warner Super T-10 PowerBrute. It has the Nodular iron case and 9310 nickel alloy gears. I'm planning on hanging a GearVendors overdrive on the back of it.

I'm learning alot from reading alot of posts here, before spending money. The vast amount of information available here is priceless.

Thanks to all!!!!

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Rick

[I_work_for_Barry]

Don't get me wrong, the 60's are super strong but they take alot of HP to spin and they are on the heavy side. I would go with a 9", very strong ,parts are easy to get, and they are light weight compaired to a dana 60. The 10 bolt and the 8.8 I don't think would withstand the torque of the big block unless you put a ton of money in them.

[flynbyu82]

http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/techarticles/48518/

Good read ...

[Duesey]

The 8.8 is a nice option. ALot of parts available. Strong rear end that withstands alot of punishment. What is the 8.5 out of? Dana60 is a boat anchor but very strong. Would have to be narrowed where the 8.8 car should be close in widths. The 8.5 still has c-clips where the other two don't.

[YenkoYS100]

Thanks for all the info. guys. The 8.5 is out of a '72 (i believe) Nova. It's currently under the car, as it was what someone installed after robbing the original 12 bolt from it.

Sorry..........edited to clarify that it's an 8.5.

[Skip Fix]

Is it an 8.5 10 bolt or the 8.2? I've got a stock 8.5 10 bolt that runs high 10s and 60 fts 1.5s behind a 455. A stronger 8.5 use the 30 spline truck posi-(Eaton preferably) some 30 spline axles(like a 12 bolt) and you have a pretty tough 10bolt.

The 8.2s are weaker both in posi units and I believe pinion splines.

[Bandit]

I just ordered up 3:73 Motive gears , alum. cover and an Eaton posi for my 10-bolt from drivetrain.com. Cost about $900.

I was looking at this as a temporary upgrade until I could afford a Dana 60, but the tech from Drivetrain said that even the 10-bolt stock axles with these other parts should withstand close to 600hp (I have around 400hp at the wheels).

I did not upgrade the axles simply because my 10 bolt has the relatively rare rear disc brakes, therefore it may be too expensive or impractical to upgrade them. Unless...someone knows where I can get them cheap...? :naughty:

If I want to go bulletproof later and am hooking REALLY hard, maybe I will go to the 60, but I hope to get by on the 10 bolt for several years.

Paul

[Skip Fix]

Most of the aftermarket axle makers can get tehm for factory rear disc specs. I have a set of 12 bolt Moser 33 splines in a spool using the Trans Am rear disc set up. The pilot wasn't long enough for the wheel to register but most race stuff uses the studs to locate the wheel. Aftermarket wheels have a different diamter pilot hole anyway.

[Bandit]

Skip,
OK, but the posi unit I am getting will only work with the stock-size 28-spline axles, right?
I have read elsewhere on this forum that the size of the axle isn't as important as the composition and heat treating of said axles.

If I can get my hands on a set of good aftermarket 28-spline axles, I should be good for 600+ hp to the wheels with the 10-bolt, would you agree?

I don't plan on running monster hp or hooking up with huge slicks in the near future, but it would be good to know that the rear end is one less thing I have to worry about.

Paul